News Releases for August 2004
August 31, 2004
- For Release: August 31, 2004
Statement of Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras on Commissioner Mozelle W. Thompson
During his six-and-a-half year term at the Federal Trade Commission, Mozelle Thompson has worked to benefit consumers across the United States and around the world.
- For Your Information: August 31, 2004
Announced Actions for August 31, 2004
The FTC has updated data collected through a staff analysis of FTC horizontal merger investigations conducted between 1996 and 2003. Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter concerning Nutramax Laboratories, Inc.
- For Release: August 31, 2004
FTC Seeks First Civil Penalties for Do Not Call Violations
A Nevada-based telemarketing group has made more than 300,000 calls to consumers who registered their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
August 30, 2004
- For Your Information: August 30, 2004
Announced Actions for August 30, 2004
The new fee structure for purchasing the National Do Not Call Registry takes effect September 1, 2004. Subscription account numbers (SANs) for telemarketers are good for 12 months.
- For Release: August 30, 2004
FTC Obtains Consent Order Against Marketer of Triad Buying Club
Special Data Processing Corp. to Pay $535,000 for Consumer Redress
August 27, 2004
- For Release: August 27, 2004
Two Maine Dietary Supplement Marketers Pay Nearly $1 Million to Settle FTC Deceptive Advertising Complaints
Two Maine-based dietary supplement marketers and their principals have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they made deceptive advertising claims about their dietary supplement products, in violation of federal law.
August 26, 2004
- For Release: August 26, 2004
Promoters of Real Estate Investment Training Program Charged with Making False Earnings Claims
The Federal Trade Commission has charged two companies and two individuals with making false and unsubstantiated earnings claims in the telemarketing and sale of a business opportunity program that purports to teach consumers how to make large amounts money quickly and in their spare time by buying and selling privately-held mortgage notes – notes held by individuals rather than financial institutions.
August 25, 2004
- For Release: August 25, 2004
Florida Company That Preyed on the Goodwill of Consumers Banned from Engaging or Assisting Others in Fundraising Activities
Community Affairs, Inc. (CAI), a for-profit telemarketing operation that preyed on the goodwill of consumers by making misleading fundraising solicitations for a number of police and firefighters-related charities, and its officers, have settled Federal Trade Commission charges.
- For Release: August 25, 2004
Two Companies Settle Harassment Charges Relating to Debt Collection
Two companies whose representatives allegedly harassed consumers with multiple phone calls and abusive language have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that their business practices violated federal law.
- For Release: August 25, 2004
FTC Seeks Comments on the Staff Report on the Franchise Rule
The Federal Trade Commission is announcing the availability of the Staff Report on the Trade Regulation Rule titled “Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Franchising and Business Opportunity Ventures – (Franchise Rule).”
August 24, 2004
- For Release: August 24, 2004
FTC Obtains Permanent Bar Against Rebate Scheme Defendants
New York Defendants Failed to Fulfill Promise to Refund Total Purchase Price to Consumers
August 19, 2004
- For Release: August 19, 2004
FTC Offers Home Repair Advice to Hurricane Charley Victims
In the wake of natural disasters, home repair rip-off artists can prey on consumers desperate to get their property back in shape.
- PARA DISTRIBUCION: 1ro de septiembre de 2004
La FTC Ofrece Consejos sobre Reparación de Viviendas a las Víctimas del Huracán Charley
FTC Offers Home Repair Advice to Hurricane Charley Victims
- For Release: August 19, 2004
FTC Warns Consumers about Potential Charity Scams
The Federal Trade Commission is urging consumers to be cautious of potential charity scams in connection with Hurricane Charley.
- PARA DISTRIBUCION: 1ro de septiembre de 2004
FTC Advierte a los Consumidores sobre Potenciales Estafas con Donaciones de Caridad
FTC Warns Consumers about Potential Charity Scams
August 17, 2004
- For Release: August 17, 2004
FTC Files Emergency Motion for Injunction Pending Appeal of District Court Order in Arch Coal Case
Staff of the Federal Trade Commission, along with the co-plaintiff states, today filed an emergency motion seeking an injunction pending appeal of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s August 13 order denying the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction to bar Arch Coal, Inc.’s acquisition of Triton Coal Company, LLC.
- For Release: August 17, 2004
List Sellers Settle FTC Charges That They Aided in Illegal Marketing of Advance Fee Credit Products
FTC Alleges Companies Knowingly Provided Consumer Lists to Telemarketers Violating Telemarketing Sales Rule
- For Release: August 17, 2004
FTC Announces Agenda for Class Action Workshop
The Federal Trade Commission today announced the agenda for the workshop, “Protecting Consumer Interests in Class Actions,” that it will co-host with the Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics on September 13 and 14.
- For Your Information: August 17, 2004
Announced Actions for August 17, 2004
The Commission has authorized the staff of the FTC to file an amicus brief, jointly with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Governors of the Federal Reserve Board, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the National Credit Union Administration, in the matter of American Bankers Ass’n (ABA) v. Lockyer, No. 04-16334 (9th Cir.).; Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter concerning Dynamic Health of Florida, LLC, et al.
August 16, 2004
- For Release: August 16, 2004
Deborah Platt Majoras Named FTC Chairman
Deborah Platt Majoras was sworn in today as Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission. President Bush nominated Majoras on May 11, 2004, and announced his intention to appoint her to the position on July 30, 2004
- For Release: August 16, 2004
Statement of Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras
I am deeply honored to be Chairman of the FTC. It will be a privilege to serve with my fellow Commissioners and the Commission staff as we work tirelessly to protect and enhance consumer welfare.
- For Release: August 16, 2004
Funeral Directors’ Board Settles with FTC
Agency Alleged Board Hindered Competition by Prohibiting Advertising of Discounts
- For Release: August 16, 2004
FTC Accepts Settlement with Final Defendant in "Pre-Approved" Credit Card Scam
Settlement Reached with Defendant Paul Schroeder in First Capital Case
August 13, 2004
- For Release: August 13, 2004
FTC Issues Staff Report on “The Petroleum Industry: Mergers, Structural Change, and Antitrust Enforcement”
The Federal Trade Commission today issued a report by staff of the Bureau of Economics entitled, “The Petroleum Industry: Mergers, Structural Change, and Antitrust Enforcement.”
- For Your Information: August 13, 2004
Announced Action for August 13, 2004
The Commission has authorized the staff to file a complaint and consent decree against nine corporate defendants, collectively known as Promenade.
August 12, 2004
- For Release: August 12, 2004
Generic Drug Marketers Settle FTC Charges
Complaint Charges Unlawful Agreement Not to Compete Drove Up Prices for Over-the-Counter Children’s Ibuprofen; Companies to Give-Up Illegal Profit
August 11, 2004
- Media Advisory : August 11, 2004
FTC to Hold Media Availability on Staff Report:“The Petroleum Industry: Mergers, Structural Change, And Antitrust Enforcement”
The Federal Trade Commission will hold a media availability on Friday, August 13, 2004, at 11:00 a.m. EST in Washington, DC, to announce the issuance of a staff report by its Bureau of Economics entitled "The Petroleum Industry: Mergers, Structural Change, and Antitrust Enforcement."
- For Release: August 11, 2004
FTC Seeks Comments on Proposed Can-Spam Rules
Comments Will be Accepted Until September 13, 2004
- For Release: August 11, 2004
Piedmont Health Alliance Settles FTC Price-fixing Charges
A North Carolina physician-hospital organization (PHO) and ten of its physician members have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they fixed prices for the services of the PHO’s 450 physician members, hindered competition in four western North Carolina counties, and raised costs for consumers.
- For Release: August 11, 2004
Statement of Commissioner Mozelle W. Thompson
On Friday, August 6, 2004, I submitted my resignation as Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission, effective August 31st.
August 10, 2004
- For Release: August 10, 2004
Federal Trade Commission Launches Web Site Focusing on Recent Economics Directors' Roundtable
Contains Complete Transcript of 100th Anniversary Event
- For Your Information: August 10, 2004
Announced Action for August 10, 2004
Following a public comment period, the Commission has approved a final consent order in the matter concerning Itron, Inc.’s acquisition of Schlumberger Electricity, Inc., and has authorized the staff to respond to the commentors of record.
August 9, 2004
- For Release: August 9, 2004
With Conditions, FTC Allows Cephalon’s Purchase of CIMA, Protecting Competition for Breakthrough Cancer Pain Drugs
Consent Order Requires Cephalon to Grant Third-Party License to Sell Generic Actiq in U.S.
- For Release: August 9, 2004
Pop-up Ad Spammers Settle FTC Charges
Settlement Will Bar Windows Messenger Service Ads
August 6, 2004
- For Your Information: August 6, 2004
Announced Action for August 6, 2004
The Commission has authorized the staff to file a joint amicus brief in Spano, et al. v. SAFECO Insurance Co. of America, et al., No 04-35313 (9th Cir.). The Commission has approved a final consent order and authorized the staff to send letters to the commenters of record in the matter concerning Southeastern New Mexico Physicians IPA, Inc., et al.
August 5, 2004
- For Your Information: August 5, 2004
FTC: Ohio Court Should be Guided by Public Interest When Considering Definition of ‘Unauthorized Practice of Law’
The Federal Trade Commission this week filed a brief amicus curiae with the Supreme Court of Ohio in Cleveland Bar Ass’n v. CompManagement, Inc. (Case No.: UPL 02-04).
- For Release: August 5, 2004
FTC Releases Consumer Fraud Survey
More Than One-In-10 Americans Fell Victim to Fraud
August 4, 2004
- Media Advisory: August 4, 2004
FTC to Release Consumer Fraud Survey
More Than One-In-10 Americans Fell Victim to Fraud
August 2, 2004
- For Release: August 2, 2004
PRIVO, Inc. Earns “Safe Harbor” Status
Program Will Promote Compliance with Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act
- For Release: August 2, 2004
Statement of Federal Trade Commission Chairman Timothy J. Muris
I have resigned as Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, effective August 15.